Indian film industry mourns Jayalalithaa's demise

Jayalalithaa, an actress-turned-politician, hospitalised since September 22, suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday and passed away late last night in Chennai at the age of 68.

Chennai, Dec 6: Stars from both Bollywood and southern cinema including names like Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and music maestro A R Rahman today mourned the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa while remembering her as a "charismatic leader" who had great connect with people.

Jayalalithaa, an actress-turned-politician, hospitalised since September 22, suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday and passed away late last night in Chennai at the age of 68. Taking to Twitter, the stars expressed their grief over the passing away of the politician.

"Not just Tamil Nadu but entire India is suffering because of the loss of its brave daughter. I pray to Almighty for our beloved CM's soul to rest in peace," Rajinikanth tweeted.

"Jayalalitha ji the only CM of a State that celebrated 100 years of Indian Cinema... From all regions... Most admirable. Deeply grieved at the passing of Jayalalita ji... A strong woman," Bachchan wrote. SRK tweeted, "Sad to hear of the passing away of Jayalalithaaji... May her soul rest in peace."

Calling Jayalalithaa, people's leader, veteran actor Anupam Kher tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the passing away of the charismatic leader of the masses Jayalalitha ji. May God rest her soul in peace."

Oscar-winner Rahman wrote, "Respect and condolences to all the people who love Puratchi Thalaivi Jayalalitha... We will miss her forever."

Veteran writer Javed Akhtar said, "A charismatic leader, who had an unbelievable connect with her people has passed away. My deepest condolences to all her followers." Tamil star Ajith Kumar remembered Jayalalithaa as a charismatic leader.

"Rest in peace madam, one of our most charismatic, bold and brave leader in Indian political history ever!!," he wrote.

Veteran actor Dharmendra, who worked with Jayalalithaa in "Izzat", her debut in Hindi cinema, said he was shocked to hear the news of her passing away. "It is shocking for me because she was my co-star in 'Izzat' in 1968.

We were on outdoors together for almost one and a half months in Kulu-Manali. Those were good times. She was a lovely person and very cordial. She often cooked south Indian food for me. She was a great human being," Dharmendra said.

Actress-turned-politician Hema Malini said Jayalalithaa's demise was a huge loss as people loved and admired her. "V upset to hear abt Jayalalitha's passing away. She was strong,had tremendous will power & carved a special niche for herself in politics.

"Tamil Nadu admired & adored her as did people all over India. She was a much respected leader, who held her own in a world of men. RIP Jaya! (sic)," Hema Malini wrote.

PTI